Monday, June 12, 2006

paul kotula - NEST

Another packed show...but this time at least there wasn't a line to get up the stairs! What I loved about Revolution's shows were that they always had a strong theme that was sometimes subtle but once you start really thinking about the works they all shared a commonality. One of my favorite shows was So Beautiful which had a little of the same feeling of this show. Paul has made a wonderful transfer to his own gallery and his voice as a curator is very attuned. He is able to pick works that at first seem to have nothing in common and tie them all together, in one tidy nest.

Jim Chatelain - oil on canvas or board

Christian Tedeschi - resin and wood. This piece called Mix Master is a mixer that is covered with many coats of resin, encapsulating the form and making a new almost unrecognizable shape. Doesn't look like the cake will get done now!

Lance Winn - gouache on vellum. This piece called What? demonstrates how Lance uses the repetition of phrases or words sketched over and over to make a growing outline that becomes a giant shape or colored ground.

Myra Minlitch-Gray - copper, found object. Myra, from New Paltz, NY, is a metal artist that experiments with different material. This piece consisting of copper platters and pots changes the function of the vessels and transforms them into a useful shelf.

Jessica Stoller - mixed media. This piece started in the gallery and continued in the outdoor courtyard. Jessica, a recent Cranbrook gradcreates environments for her alter ego Pony Girl (based on My Little Pony).

Inside this playhouse smelled like Rainbow Shortcake...brought back a few memories. Very detailied set up inside with cupcakes, play makeup, toys, dolls, etc... beautiful and sickening at the same time, and the camera linked to the tv inside the gallery is in the big pink stuffed bear. Kinda creepy, really cool.